Q:
I'm older and not in very good health, and it's getting harder and harder for me to get around. Is it wrong for me to just watch our church's service on TV? I miss seeing my friends, but it's very difficult for me to make it to church now, especially since I gave up driving.
A:
God knows your limitations, and He doesn’t look down on you because you can’t do everything you once did. (Incidentally, I commend you for realizing it was no longer wise for you to continue driving. I’m sure it was a difficult decision, but it was the right one. and one we’ll all face eventually.)
Be thankful, however, that you aren’t completely cut off from your church, but that you’re still able to worship with them through television and hear God’s Word as it is preached. Remember, God’s Word is not limited by distance or confined only to a building. As the Bible says, “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
At the same time, I urge you to do whatever you can to maintain contact with your church. Drop your pastor a note, explaining why you don’t attend as often as you once did, and saying you’d welcome a visit. In addition, stay in contact with your friends in the congregation, and let them know you’re praying for them.
Finally, turn your heart and mind to Christ and the hope we have of heaven because of Him. Sometimes, I’m afraid, older people become overly absorbed with their present problems. Don’t let this happen to you, but “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is” (Colossians 3:1).